"The deal is similar to the much criticized (in the open source Linux community at least) covenant between Novell and Microsoft, as well as other cross-patent deals regarding Linux technology, with vendors such as LG Electronics.
"Since launching its IP licensing program in December 2003, Microsoft has signed more than 500 licensing agreements, says the company. Other agreements regarding printing technology include deals with HP, Samsung, Fuji Xerox, Seiko Epson, and Kyocera Mita, says Microsoft. Many of these firms offer printers based on embedded Linux technology. In recent years, Linux has proven especially popular in large, networked, high-speed office printers, according to MontaVista and Wind River, two embedded Linux vendors that claim significant customer wins in the category."
